All game jerseys are now back from the dry cleaners, rinsed of last season's face-paint and mustard stains, pressed for a new year. With the NFL season kicked off, the MLB playoffs soon to get underway and the NBA season looming, let's look at the organizations that have given fans good reason to swell with expectation. The following franchises are going through storied turnarounds, pumping new energy into their teams, their fan bases and their cities. And behind them are leaders whose commitment to excellence is proving infectious.
1. The Washington Redskins
In the past ten years, the Redskins have made the playoffs twice. In this year's opener the Redskins upended the mighty Cowboys in an upset that no one saw coming. While one game doesn't make a turnaround, owner Dan Snyder has altered his "buy a championship" approach and acknowledged that "a real leader recognizes mistakes and moves on." Snyder has given Mike Shanahan the reins, and Shanahan's grabbed on tight. No longer are individual players allowed to be bigger than the team, as Albert Hayneworth's preseason antics earned him sixteen meager plays in the opener. Through these types of actions, Shanahan has demonstrated that accountability is not simply a word, but a value that anyone who is a part of the organization must abide by--even massively overpaid superstars.
2. Cincinnati Reds
For the first time since 2001, the Cincinnati Reds are looking to finish above .500. The squad is out in front in the National League Central, and should they make a playoff spot it will be the first time the franchise has appeared in the postseason since 1995. Behind the turnaround stands proven general manager, Walt Jocketty, who was the architect behind the St. Louis Cardinal's rise to prominence throughout the last decade. Jocketty has spent 35 years in the league honing his team development skills, and building an honest and patient reputation. While Jocketty may have already cemented his legacy as a gifted culture changer, a Reds run in the playoffs would only strengthen his case.
To read the rest of this article at The Washington Post, click here
Mike Shanahan's vision for a change in team play seems to be working out for the best and I think that he brings a fresher perspective on the game and how he wants the team to perform. I have great respect for him taking a risk in changing the teams play on the field and as a team. He seems to make keeping the team playing as a team his top priority and in return the team is more successful and focused. I really like that he demonstrates good leadership qualities to his players and shows a passion for the game.
ReplyDeleteWe'll see how the team responds after its first loss. Shanahan might have his work cut out for him, but hopefully he'll get the troops in line. Think about some of the other examples too, I wonder if there are keys to Washington's recovery that lie in these other stories. . .
ReplyDeleteShanahan seems to be following Jocketty's lead, since Jocketty has spent many years developing team management skills, and Shanahan is now preaching that the team is more important than the individual. Shanahan also mirrors Jocketty's positive reputation since he is trying to instill accountability in his players to better themselves, and the NFL in general. The Redskins did lose their second game of the season 30-27 in overtime, but hopefully that does not prevent them from still trying to move forward. ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=300919028) states that this game was the first time since 1994 that both teams' quarterbacks threw over 400-yards, so obviously the Redskins are still playing well as a team, despite the loss. Hopefully they can continue to play well and win more games under Shanahan's lead.
ReplyDeleteFor the fans of Washington, it is about time Snyder started to realize what 'good' leaders do. He went out and got a coach who can, and already has, command his presence and lead a team to be successful. It is showing promise as the redskins have won 1 out of 2 games so far and have played very well in both games.
ReplyDeleteThe strong leadership and developmental skills of Jocketty may be the driving force behind the Reds strong season thus far. While he may be responsible for a lot, in the end the players have stepped up their game and are the real reason they will make it to the playoffs.
As you touched on, Rex Ryan is an outspoken leader. Always the free-spirit, he is never shy to share his feelings to the media and appears to revel with the target on his back. Regardless, his leadership has morphed the mentality of that whole as they mirror his attitude. They are a confident team that will settle for nothing less than winning.
The Twins seem to have some of the best leadership among all teams in baseball. Year in and year out the Twins are very competitive and are no strangers to the playoffs. What is more impressive is that they continually do it with an average or below-average payroll. They don't spend as much as possible like the Yankees and Mets. Rather, they develop and field a team of solid, hard-working players who know how to work together and win.
The Thunder are a great story. Led by an emerging superstar in Kevin Durant, they managed to make the playoffs in just the 2nd year after relocating to Oklahoma City from Seattle. Durant is the major reason for it. As the world saw this summer, he is a beast on the court and is very capable of leading his team to victory. Just ask the Turkish team about USA's gold medal performance.
Not sure if Shanahan is following Jocketty's lead, because Shanahan has been doing what he does for an awfully long time, too. But you're right - they both bring much-needed leadership to their respective teams.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the Twins, I'll always pull for the small-market teams in baseball, so the fact that they've been able to win consistently with a smaller payroll than the large market teams is amazing, and it's a testament to the leadership in the front office. While I believe that baseball needs a salary cap, it affords us the opportunity to watch strategic leaders do their thing, rather than point to their small market status as an excuse.
I wouldn’t say that no one could see the Redskins upsetting the Cowboys coming, because every Redskins fan always expects a win against Dallas and vice versa. It doesn’t matter how well either team is doing in their season, this is an epic match-up that whoever shows up to play will win.
ReplyDeleteAs for Mike Shanahan, he is a well respected coach. I may not like the ‘Skins’ like many other but with a coach like Shanahan behind any team, you have to respect the leadership and coaching abilities of a focus organizational driven man.
The job done by Rex Ryan in NY is remarkable. First with the results he produced on the field last year and then with the moves he and the management of the team made this off season kept the Jets in everyone's mind, and has them as probably the most interesting team to look at this year. Rex is just a great leader, the players love him, the coaches love him and the media loves him, he accomplishes this all while still being a great "X's and O's" guy. A person with great technical skills as well as great personable skills will always be successful, and Rex Ryan is just more proof of that. The thing that stands out about him the most to me is as I watched the Hard Knocks episodes that featured the Jets through their training camp, when a player would be cut the majority of them said thanks for the opportunity I loved playing here for you and would love to get another chance to play here in the future, if as someone is essentially being fired is still talking about wanting to work for or with the man firing them again, than he must be doing one heck of a job.
ReplyDeleteIt is intriguing to consider Rex Ryan as a "leader". He is certainly a character, but those who spend time with him seem to walk away satisfied and singing his praises. As with all of our posts, it will be interesting to keep track of him. He's somewhat of a live wire, and you have to wonder if his tenure could be eventually shortened with a characteristic rant and/or inappropriate episode. . . For now he gives many good reason to fall in the "gotta' love 'im" camp.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about these five teams and their efforts on trying to turn around their programs with strong changes and leadership, one can believe that Mike Shanahan is doing the best at that. Shanahan is "going through storied turnarounds, pumping new energy into their teams, their fan bases and their cities." Making a statement immediately not allowing his two time pro-bowl defensive tackle, Albert Hayneworth to practice was just his first step in trying to turn around this franchise. "No longer are individual players allowed to be bigger than the team." With that message out, rookies and veterans knew that any job on the field was open. Hard work and positive attitudes are the only way to start with Shanahan as their coach, not because of stats and accomplishments from previous years in the NFL. Now even with a 1-1 record, one can tell that the redskins will be a tough team to beat and mainly due to Shanahan's ability to build a strong team as well as his leadership skills on and off the field.
ReplyDeleteThis article dealt with two different sports teams who in recent years have not met the standards for success in their sports. I personally agree with what the Washington Redskins chose to do, or how they changed their leadership. Instead of the Owner trying to “buy” a championship, he has given up his role as the head ‘leader’ to the newly acquired head coach Shanahan. Although it is early in the season, and they (the redskins) are 1-1, I feel like it shows that coach Shanahan is a good leader by beating the cowboys in week one and that the Owner knows when he needs to step down.
ReplyDeleteRegarding this article, I think they covered the main teams this year that have made great changes both on the field as well as in management positions.
ReplyDeleteMike Shanahan brings leadership to Washington as even a highly respected player like Albert Hanesworth won't make the cut if rules aren't followed. Mike leads by action as the rest of the team has grown together as it showed in their opener against Dallas.
Walt Jocketty has done the same as the GM for the Reds in the MLB but in a different way. His legacy through the past decade has grabbed the attention of others, making the players as well feel they can finally make the playoffs again under this management success.
Rex Ryan purposes a different style of leadership that has shown to be successful in NY for the Jets. His demeanor and responses through emotion has combined the players as one. This shows on the field as they give there all night and day to represent their coach in the finest but toughest way possible.
My main view to this response focuses on the
Twins though as they weren't covered very well in the article. Yea, their new stadium and some management moves made them who they are today (first in the AL central as we speak)but this franchise leader isn't upstairs, he's on the field. Joe Mauer is the face of this team, both on the field and in the clubhouse. He was a free agent last year and had similar deals offered from the Twins as well as other "top teams" such as the Yankees. He could have gone to teams at the time that seemed better willing to win the World Series but stayed in his home state of Minnasota. This shows loyalty and commitment that you don't see much this day and age.
The washington redskins and the cincinnati reds are two prime examples of two teams that have been misled under poor leadership. The article hit the nail on the head when it spoke about how controlling and manipulating dan snyder is and how is trying to control that part of his leadership. I do believe the redskins will play better under coach shanahan because he is a proven winner unlike Jim Zorn who they let go.
ReplyDeleteThe reds turnaround this year has certainly been a suprising one. Aside from the great leadership from their general manager, I believe that the leaders in that lockerroom are responsible for the success of that team. They are leading by example and everyone else is falling into place behind them.
These two teams are different in many different areas. But when putting everything else aside and focusing on the leadership behind the teams, the differences are enormous. The decisions made by both teams in the last few years are the reasons for where each one is at today. For better or for worse.
ReplyDeleteThe Redskins leadership is spotty if that. The team has had 7 different head coaches since 2000. Their front office has consistently overpaid for veterans and players of questionable character. Unlike the Cincinnati Reds.
The Reds organization was in the dumps a half a decade ago. The move of bringing Ken Griffey back didnt work out as either party had hoped. The Reds had an overpaid last place team such as the Redskins had during the same period of time. But the Reds traded for young high reward players, developed one of the best minor league systems seen recently. The Reds focused on developing the young talent they already had instead of pushing money into guys past their prime like the Redskins.
Since that first game the redskins are 0-2, and it looks as if finishing under .500 is very possible. Its because of their past leadership failures that is the reason. The Reds are proof that great inner leadership developes winners.
The sports posts always bring the critics and fans. Some great points throughout. Obviously some of these teams need a little more time before their declared turnaround franchises, but they're all worth watching. We'll keep watching, and encourage you to keep us posted on your thoughts as the season wears on.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that Shanahan has taken hold of the Redskins and is finally putting key players in their place. Despite Haynesworh being a star player, his antics needed to be reprimanded and by sitting him instead of letting his athleticism shine, Shanahan proved to the fans and those watching that he was turning the program around and making an attempt at positive leadership. Though his benching of a key may not have been supported by Redskins fans, Shanahan earned the respect of the players by showing them actions have consequences, no matter who you are.
ReplyDeleteOne game or even one season isn't going to turn a team around. There needs to be a change in the culture of the entire team along with the change in leadership. In some cases "buying a championship" could work. We will see how the Heat does in the NBA and the Yankees and Phillies both seem to do fine. The problem is you have to have good leadership and team culture so those high caliber players are working together for a common goal and not just to make themselves look better
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more - a one season improvement means very little. Sustained improvement is the goal, and that requires a culture change.
ReplyDeleteThe question remains - how do you change culture?